The classic Patagonian day: through lenga forest and past mirror lakes to the foot of Fitz Roy, then a brutal last kilometre up loose moraine to a glacial lake held in the lap of the granite towers.
Fitz Roy, the Tehuelche people's Chaltén or "smoking mountain", is the most famous summit in Patagonia, and this is the trail that takes you to its feet.
From the north end of the village the path climbs through lenga forest to Laguna Capri, where the massif first appears reflected in still water, then crosses open meadows and the Río Blanco to Poincenot camp. Everything up to here is gentle. The final kilometre is not: 400 metres of steep, loose switchbacks up the moraine, and the rangers post decisions about the last climb at the trailhead when wind or snow make it unsafe.
At the top, the lake lies under the east face of Fitz Roy and its satellite spires, with Laguna Sucia a short scramble to the left, far below. Start before dawn with a headtorch or camp at Poincenot to be on the rim for first light, when the granite turns orange. Sunrise here is the trip's great hour.
An out-and-back on a well-marked trail; the timings are walking times without long stops.
Start at the end of Av. San Martín and climb steadily above the Río de las Vueltas valley.
A short side path drops to Laguna Capri, with Fitz Roy mirrored in calm morning water and a campsite in the trees.
Cross the flat valley past the Madre e Hija junction to Poincenot camp and the Río Blanco bridge.
Steep, loose switchbacks gain 400 metres in an hour. Use poles, go slowly, and turn back if the rangers or the wind say so.
The lake and Fitz Roy's east face; walk left along the rim to look down on Laguna Sucia. Return the same way.
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Patagonian wind can exceed 100 km/h and clouds hide the summit most days. Check the forecast, keep a flexible day, and go on the first clear morning.
Poincenot and Capri are free campsites with toilets; register at the ranger station and carry out everything you bring.
The visitor centre at the village entrance gives a free talk on arrival and posts trail conditions daily.
Calafate & Chaltén practical notes →Wikimedia Commons photographs are used under their licences; Pexels photographs under the Pexels licence.
